Psychoacoustic model for detecting the sensation of impulsivity in acoustic signals from refrigerators

Abstract

This study investigates the perception of impulsivity in audio signals specifically caused by thermal expansion (cracking noise) in domestic refrigerators. It employs a multifaceted approach encompassing an analysis of sensitivity to impulsive events, an assessment of the prominence of impulse signals, and a correlation analysis of these data. The investigation revealed different responses to various sound samples, highlighting subjective variations. Using linear regression, correlation analysis demonstrated a robust and positive relationship (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.851) between perceived impulsivity and the Impulsivity Prediction Model (IPM). This alignment underscores the reliability of the developed IPM in capturing and predicting subjective perceptions of low-amplitude transient signals. Comparisons between groups of participants, conducted using both Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and t-tests, explored potential disparities related to gender, age, and acoustic knowledge. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in the perception of impulsivity concerning gender, age groups, or acoustic knowledge. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the perceptual aspects of impulsivity in audio signals from home refrigerators, specifically addressing thermal expansion noises, and establishes the reliability of the Impulsivity Prediction Model (IPM) as a tool for objective assessment. The congruence between subjective judgments and objective metrics enhances the applicability of IPM in diverse fields, from acoustic engineering to psychoacoustic research.